Short answer: hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) is an injectable hormone that acts like LH, the signal that tells the testes to make testosterone and support sperm production. In men it’s FDA-approved for certain cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and, in boys, undescended testes. It’s also widely used with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to help keep the testes working and protect fertility. It is not a weight-loss drug.
How hCG Works in Men
Normally your pituitary releases luteinizing hormone (LH), which tells the testes to produce testosterone. When you take testosterone from outside, the Depo-Testosterone label explains that your body cuts back LH and, at large doses, FSH, which can lower testicular testosterone and sperm production. hCG binds the same receptor as LH, so it keeps the testes stimulated even when your own LH is suppressed.
FDA-Approved Uses in Men
The Novarel and Pregnyl labels list, for males:
- Prepubertal cryptorchidism (undescended testes) not caused by an anatomical blockage
- Selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (low testosterone caused by a pituitary deficiency)
Both labels state in capital letters that hCG has not been shown to be effective for treating obesity and has no known effect on fat mobilization, appetite or body fat distribution.
hCG With TRT
Using hCG alongside TRT is common, but it’s an off-label use. The best-known study is a 2013 Journal of Urology review of 26 men on TRT who also took low-dose hCG (500 IU every other day). Over follow-up:
- Semen parameters did not change significantly
- No man became azoospermic (zero sperm count)
- 9 of the 26 men contributed to a pregnancy with their partner
The authors noted TRT alone leads to azoospermia in about 40% of patients, and concluded low-dose hCG appears to maintain semen parameters. It was a small retrospective study, so results aren’t guaranteed. For more, see TRT plus hCG: any real success restoring fertility?.
hCG for Fertility
The Endocrine Society recommends against starting testosterone in men who plan to father a child soon. For men whose low testosterone comes from the pituitary or hypothalamus and who want fertility, the guideline points to gonadotropin therapy such as hCG. Some men use hCG on its own for that reason; see is hCG monotherapy a real option for secondary hypogonadism?
hCG Side Effects
The Pregnyl label lists for men and women:
- Headache, irritability, restlessness and depression
- Injection-site reactions such as bruising, pain, redness, swelling and itching
- Occasional breast enlargement (gynecomastia) in men
- Allergic reactions, rarely severe (anaphylaxis)
Contraindications in men include breast or prostate tumors, tumors of the pituitary or hypothalamus, and uncontrolled thyroid, adrenal or pituitary disorders.
hCG vs Clomid
Both can raise your own testosterone, but in different places. hCG acts directly on the testes, while clomiphene (Clomid) works in the brain to raise LH and FSH. hCG can be added to TRT; clomiphene is generally used instead of it.
Getting hCG Through Viking
Viking Alternative Medicine is a national telehealth clinic: visits happen by video or phone, labs are drawn at a local lab near you, and a licensed provider reviews your results before recommending any treatment. If you’re on TRT, or starting it, and want to protect fertility or testicular function, learn more on our hCG page or see the full men’s hormone replacement therapy program. Start your online visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hCG do for men?
hCG acts like LH, the hormone that tells the testes to make testosterone and support sperm production. It keeps the testes stimulated even when your own LH is low, including during TRT.
Is hCG FDA-approved for men?
Yes, for selected cases of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and for prepubertal undescended testes. Using it alongside TRT to maintain fertility is off-label.
Does hCG preserve fertility on TRT?
In a 2013 study of 26 men on TRT taking 500 IU of hCG every other day, semen parameters stayed stable, none became azoospermic, and 9 contributed to a pregnancy. It was a small retrospective study, so results aren’t guaranteed.
What are the side effects of hCG for men?
The Pregnyl label lists headache, irritability, restlessness, depression, injection-site reactions, occasional breast enlargement and, rarely, allergic reactions.
Does hCG help with weight loss?
No. FDA labels state hCG has not been shown to be effective for obesity and has no known effect on fat mobilization, appetite or body fat distribution.
Does hCG increase testosterone?
It can raise testosterone produced by the testes because it stimulates the same receptor as LH. It’s FDA-labeled for selected men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Sources
- Novarel (chorionic gonadotropin) prescribing information, DailyMed
- Pregnyl (chorionic gonadotropin) prescribing information, DailyMed
- Hsieh TC et al. Concomitant intramuscular human chorionic gonadotropin preserves spermatogenesis in men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. J Urol. 2013 (PubMed)
- Bhasin S et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. 2018 (PubMed)
- Depo-Testosterone (testosterone cypionate) prescribing information, DailyMed
Medical disclaimer: This article is general education, not medical advice, and it does not create a patient relationship. Prescription medicines are only appropriate after evaluation by a licensed clinician who knows your history and lab results. If you have chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of a blood clot or stroke, or another emergency, call 911.